Discrimination and modern Paganism: a study of religion and contemporary social climate

This work investigates attitudes of religious discrimination against Paganism and how the faith is lived as a culture. It closely examines how discriminatory attitudes against Paganism are translated into actions and how they have affect Pagan lives on an individual basis. This project also investigates the origins of discriminatory attitudes for non-Pagans, in order to better understand them. The research problem includes two basic parts: distinguishing discriminative actions and attitudes, and observing their effects on Pagans’ daily lives. The cycle of action and information involved in discrimination against Pagans is discussed in detail, including an analysis of the defense mechanisms employed by Pagans to mitigate the adverse effects of discrimination in their lives. The goal of this research is to add to current understandings of religious discrimination and how it can greatly influence Pagan practice and culture. The use of the results of this research will include but not be limited to: further studies on the cultural power of religious discrimination, the formation of greater public understanding of nontraditional religions and how they are affected by modern social climates, and the addition of a seldom heard voice into current conversations surrounding religious tensions in the modern world